Turkey healthcare workers face job risks due to new ASM regulations

Thousands of midwives, nurses, and medical secretaries working in Family Health Centers (ASMs) in Turkey face potential unemployment due to a new regulation from the Ministry of Health. Dr. Ahmet Kandemir, President of the Family Medicine Workers' Union (AHESEN), warned that the removal of flexible working hours under the new regulation could jeopardize the current grouping system used to employ additional staff.

Under the existing system, A, B, and C group ASMs receive additional budget allocations to employ extra personnel if they meet specific criteria. Kandemir stated that if these new working hour criteria are not met, these additional funds may be cut, leading to significant job losses. He emphasized that this situation would not only affect employees but also degrade the quality of healthcare services and access for citizens.

Furthermore, Kandemir noted that the operational costs for ASMs—including rent, fuel, electricity, and medical supplies—are rising, while current operating expense allowances are being eroded by inflation. AHESEN has called on the Ministry of Health to implement an urgent regulation and a new financing model to ensure the employment of healthcare workers and the sustainability of these centers.